Tuesday, 26 August 2014

Wigan Warriors are delighted to confirm that Chorley-born musician and Starsailor frontman James Walsh will Headline pre-match entertainment at the Big One 5.

Walsh shot to fame in the early 2000’s when Starsailor’s debut album ‘Love is Here’ went platinum selling over 500,000 copies in the UK.

The band went on to create a further three albums and Walsh has been working on a solo career since 2009 releasing his latest album, ‘Turning Point’ earlier this year. The group recently reformed and played at the Isle of Wight festival and will support Manchester band James on their UK tour in November.

Walsh, who was at college in Wigan when Starsailor formed said: “It’s very exciting to be heading back to Wigan to play in front of what will be a huge crowd at the Big One.

“I have a lot of great memories about my time in Wigan. It’s a great place and one that will always be close to my heart. I’ve also heard a lot of great things about this game and I’m looking forward to capping off a spectacular entertainment line up before the Warriors and Rhinos go to battle.

“I’ve seen that Wigan have been going well this year and Leeds are right up there too so I think it will make for a great game as well as a great night.”

James Walsh’s performance is supported by The Whisky Sessions, a presenting partner of the Big One 5. The Whisky Sessions is a new two day music and whisky festival taking place in November at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse, featuring acts I Am Kloot, Gomez, Turin Brakes and many more. More information on an exclusive Whisky Sessions post match event for the Big One 5 will be unveiled next week.

Simon Collinson, Marketing Director at Wigan Warriors added: “To have someone of James’ stature perform live at the DW ahead of the Big One will only serve to help make this event bigger than ever before.

“Alongside James, we have Carolynne Poole, the New York Brass Band and the Joining Jack Legends game plus lots of other stuff going on. I think it’s possibly the best night of entertainment we’ve ever put on at the DW Stadium and I’m sure we will see some fireworks on the pitch too!”

James completes the amazing line up of entertainment on the night whilst the Joining Jack Legends are set to announce more massive names to their already blockbuster squad over the next week.

The Big One 5 has already posted record early pre-sales and tickets remain on sale from the DW Stadium ticket office, the ticket hotline 0871 6633 552 and online at wiganwarriors.com